According to Nicolo Schira, Sassuolo have asked for information about Chicago Fire’s centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was born in 2005.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, a 20-year-old South African central defender for Chicago Fire, is of interest to ten European clubs, including Sassuolo. The other clubs mentioned as interested are Club Brugge, Anderlecht, Ajax, Utrecht, Rennes, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Real Betis. Mbokazi attracted this attention following a strong World Cup performance with South Africa; he has 14 caps and 1 goal for his country. He joined Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates in December 2025 and is under contract until 2029, with an option for an additional season. In the 2025/2026 season, Mbokazi made 12 appearances in Major League Soccer and 11 in the Betway Premiership. His current market value is €3.50m, according to Transfermarkt.